What happens if you put the wrong belt on your alternator?
Different vehicles have different sized belts and installing the wrong size could result in failing to power the accessories or even damage to the engine. If your old belt was loose because it had stretched over time, take that into consideration when comparing the two belts.
How do you relieve tension on an alternator belt?
If your vehicle does not have an auto-tensioner, you can still relieve the tension on the belt by loosening the bolts attaching the alternator to the engine. As you loosen the bolts, tilt the alternator forward to create slack in the belt.
Where do you put the alternator belt on a four cylinder car?
Many four cylinder vehicles have transverse mounted engines, meaning the engine is mounted at a ninety degree angle from the chassis, placing the belts on the side of the engine bay instead of the front. Look for cracks in the belt. A significant sign that your alternator or serpentine belt needs replacing is visible cracking along the belt.
Can a serpentine belt be used for an alternator?
If your vehicle has an alternator belt instead of a serpentine belt, this is the method you will need to use. Be careful not to damage the wiring going into the alternator. The alternator provides the power the engine needs to run through those wires. Slide the belt off of the pulleys and remove it from the car.
What’s the best way to loosen an alternator belt?
Use a breaker bar or socket wrench to loosen the auto-tensioner. Many newer model vehicles come equipped with an auto-tensioner pulley. The pulley presses upward as the belt wraps around it so the belt remains under constant, steady tension.
Where does the serpentine belt go on an alternator?
If you do not have a diagram on the vehicle or in your service manual laying out the direction your serpentine belt travels through the pulleys, take a picture of it with your phone to refer to when installing the new belt. A strictly alternator belt will likely only go around an alternator pulley and the crank pulley at the bottom of the engine.
What’s the difference between a fan and an alternator belt?
Even though cooling fans on most modern vehicles are driven by electric motors instead of actual belts, the term fan belt is still incorrectly used as a blanket expression to describe any single accessory belt that may be used to drive a water pump, alternator, power steering pump, or other items. Why?
How big of a drive do you need for an alternator?
It is possible that your vehicle uses a 3/8 inch drive or even a bolt on the tensioner pulley, so refer to your particular vehicle’s service manual to ensure you have the appropriate tools. Rotate the wrench clockwise to relieve the pressure it is placing on the belt.